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via Imago

via Imago

Lionel Messi has cemented himself as one of the finest soccer players to kick a ball. Hence, the record 8-time Ballon d’Or winner is an inspiration to many. Forget people, even soccer clubs are using the Argentine maestro as a reference. In a recent video posted by the Aston Villa women’s soccer club, Messi’s influence is quite evident.

The video also featured Swiss soccer star Alisha Lehmann. The forward is one of Aston Villa’s key players and is likely to be Aston Villa’s main source of goals. Interestingly, Lehman is not the biggest Messi fan out there and is in team Ronaldo in the G.O.A.T debate.

Interesting observation from Alisha Lehman’s ‘This or That’ video

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The popular Swiss Instagram personality was recently seen in a Christmas-related Instagram reel where she picked her favorite holiday, Christmas films, and more. Interestingly, there was a quote printed on the dressing room wall. The quote read, “I start early and I stay late, day after day, year after year, it took me 17 years and 114 days to become an overnight success.” This is an iconic Messi quote.

The context behind the quote is as follows. The Argentine made his debut for Barcelona in October 2004. His age at the time was 17 years and 114 days. Until then, nobody had heard much about this small-statured player from Rosario. From then on, Messi’s journey needs no explanation. However, it seems that Messi is not a big fan of the ‘overnight sensation’ angle.

The star had to relocate to Spain at the age of 13. Moreover, the countless training sessions that followed at La Masia. Hence, it seems people are not factoring in the hard work that resulted in the soccer icon’s success.

Read More: Lionel Messi Sends Autographed Jersey to Ukraine Armed Forces Commander; Receives Amusing Gift in Return

While Lehman might not be Messi’s no 1 fan, there are others at the club who would have loved to watch the soccer legend turn up in Villa Park. It seems Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez was one of them.

Emi Martinez’s amusing Lionel Messi claim

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Argentina teammate Emi Martinez shares a close bond with his captain. Following Messi’s exit from PSG, the goalkeeper made a light-hearted comment on what he would do to bring Messi to the Premier League. It seems Martinez would have literally done anything in his power to make it happen.

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Martinez explained, “I would tempt him with a mate (a South American drink), I’d make roasts for him every weekend, I’d ask people to make little flags for him and he has a good time.” The star was even open to the idea of reducing his salary. While Messi ultimately moved to Inter Miami, the people at Aston Villa would have appreciated Martinez’s comments.

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